Singing dunes · Kazakhstan
Altyn-Emel
A dune that hums in the wind, and mountains striped like a painter’s palette.
Altyn-Emel National Park, north-east of Almaty, protects a huge area of semi-desert along the Ili river. Its best-known sight is the Singing Dune, which hums in dry, windy weather. Further in, the Aktau mountains are layered in white, red and ochre clay.
The park is large and the tracks are rough; it is best visited with an overnight stay.
- Time needed
- 1–2 days
- Best time
- April–June and September–October
- Getting there
- About 4 hours by road from Almaty to the park office; a 4×4 is needed inside.
Don’t miss
Highlights
- 01
Singing Dune
A tall sand dune that makes a low hum when the sand moves.
- 02
Aktau mountains
Striped clay hills in white, red and orange.
- 03
Katutau
Volcanic rock formations.
- 04
Wildlife
Goitered gazelles and kulans (wild asses).
Nearby
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